Program Overview

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

Key Facts

• Level: Postgraduate PG MA
• Duration: Full Time: 1 Year, Part Time: 2 Years
• Starting: September, January
• Fees UK 25/26: Full Time: £8,500, Part Time: £1,417.50 per 30 credits
• Fees International 25/26: Full Time: £17,495
• Location: Waterside

Overview

English is a global language used daily in business, education and the media by many people for whom it is a second rather than a ‘native’ language. This Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages masters course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher of the language. Applying the insights of linguistic research into how English is learned and used in a wide variety of situations, the programme with its practical focus will help you become a resourceful, reflective and confident professional in the field of TESOL.

Highlights

• Gaining work experience by working closely with teaching staff on the TESOL MA.
• Develop your skills and confidence in teaching through applying theory to practice by observing lessons, planning tasks and micro-teaching to peers.
• Opportunities of joining professional organisations and attend conferences, seminars and social events.
• Eligible for 20% Graduate Discount Scheme.

Entry Requirements

• An honours degree from a UK University awarded at lower second or above in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification
• Or
• An honours degree from a recognised University outside the UK awarded at lower second or above in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification
• Applicants who have a Diploma in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification plus recent teaching experience of two years or more will be positively considered. In this case the applicant will usually be interviewed and must demonstrate suitability for the programme.

English Language Requirements

• Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 with no score below 6.0 (or equivalent) for study at postgraduate level.

Course Content

• EDUM134 Approaches to Language Learning – Theory and Method (30 Credits)
• EDUM135 English Language Teaching in Practice (30 Credits)
• EDUM136 Classroom Language Assessment and Test Construction (30 Credits)
• EDUM155 Materials Development & Course Design (30 credits)
• EDUM100 Research Thesis (60 Credits)

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees
  • UK – Full Time: £8,500
  • UK – Part Time: £1,417.50 per 30 credits
  • International – Full Time: £17,495
• Additional Costs: There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

Staff

• Senior Lecturer in Educational Linguistics: Hazel McAllister
• Head of Educational Linguistics: Bob Fisher
• Senior Lecturer in English as a Second Language: Qian Zhang

Careers and Employability

• TESOL MA Graduates should be able to seek employment opportunities in a wide variety of areas including:
  • English language teaching in any education sector (this may depend on having fulfilled primary teaching qualifications in the countries in which you choose to work as the MA would not be a substitute for such qualifications).
  • Teacher training.
  • Testing: both in supporting existing testing programmes and developing programmes in companies developing and implementing communication skills training.
  • Continued academic research in areas of interest developed as a consequence of involvement in this course, e.g. PhD.